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Doctor John Hinds has died

Published:
04 July 2015

Tributes have poured in from both the racing and medical communities for Doctor John Hinds, one of the world-famous Irish road racing medical team known as the ‘flying doctors’, who tragically lost his life as a result of a crash on Friday night at the Skerries 100 meeting.

Doctor Hinds was participating his usual role, following the opening of a practice session on his BMW S1000RR, when he crashed at Dukes Bends. His colleagues treated him on the scene before being transferred to Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

He leaves behind an incredible legacy; as an exceptionally talented doctor to whom many of the paddock owe their lives; as an educator who worked tirelessly to further trauma and emergency medicine; and as a selfless individual and much-loved figure who dedicated a lot of his own free time and money to ensuring proper care for the paddock.

The 35 year-old from Tandragee was a consultant anaesthetist and trauma science lecturer, and was often the first person on scene at major road-racing accidents. Dealing with them with his own unique brand of unflappable humour, medical skill and humanity, his reputation was unprecedented in both of the worlds in which he operated, as his colleague Doctor Fred McSorley was quick to point out.

“In road racing, he was revered and adored by so many riders. But he was also a natural teacher and wonderfully inspirational. He was hugely dedicated to improving the care of critically ill people.”

“John didn’t only save people’s live, but, particularly with head injuries, he saved their brains. The fact that they are able to walk and talk normally, pick up their children and give them a hug, is because of his excellent care.”

One of John’s biggest passions, aside from motorbikes, was working to ensure that Northern Ireland secured an air ambulance service; something that he was intimately aware was lacking after his treatment of both racers and the public alike.

To that end, a petition set up calling on the Northern Irish Executive to ensure the provision of one in his name has already reached over 25,000 signatures. Please add your support for the campaign via the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance petition. The thoughts of the whole MCN team are with John’s partner, family and friends at this terrible time.